Pep Guardiola cracks X-rated joke about Real Madrid fans as he provides positive update on ‘special’ star Kyle Walker

Pep Guardiola insisted his praise for Real Madrid didn’t make him “take the shit” as he made a friendly joke about his former enemies.

The Man City manager was in good spirits ahead of the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Los Blancos at the Etihad on Wednesday, which is live on talkSPORT2.

The reverse fixture hosted a thrilling 3-3 draw with the Spanish giants as former Barcelona manager and star Guardiola took on his old Clasico foes.

But despite their history, Guardiola has now said he was being genuine when praising Carlo Ancelotti’s side, making an X-rated joke in the process.

With a smile on his face, Guardiola said during Tuesday’s press conference: “I think it was an exceptional team last season, the previous season, this one.

“I know that when I say good things about Madrid, people don’t believe me in Madrid. They mean jokes or whatever, that people always think I’m taking shit.”

He laughed: “It’s not about that!”

As well as looking forward to another mouth-watering tie and return to the top of the Premier League table, Guardiola gave Man City fans more news to celebrate by providing an update on Kyle Walker.

Man City’s star defender was out of action for the first leg due to a hamstring problem picked up during the international break with England last month, with Manuel Akanji intervening.

Regarding the possibility of Walker playing on Wednesday, Guardiola said: “I will see in training (how he is). He has had one or two training sessions.

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“He feels good in his mood. I don’t know if from the start, or from the bench, but I think he will be with us tomorrow.

“It’s incredibly good news for many reasons. Today at 4 p.m. we have the last training session and we will decide.

“Of course Walker is important. Kyle’s attributes and quality, everyone knows, he’s special.”

Meanwhile, Ancelotti named an ineligible player in his 22-man squad that traveled to England.

Man City beat Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in the semi-final of last year’s tournament, with Guardiola’s side winning their first ever Champions League.

If the first leg is anything to go by, Wednesday night’s clash under the Etihad lights will have plenty of goals to look forward to as two of the world’s best go head-to-head.